John Danks simply didn't have it today, and the result was his second-shortest outing of the year. He threw 93 pitches in only four innings, mainly because he had nothing but a fastball.
He only threw 12 changeups and three curves because neither were working, and out of 61 strikes, only three were swung on and missed. Based on the large amount of pickoff throws he tried, I don't think he was comfortable in any way, shape or form.
The Sox offense didn't look any more settled. Paul Konerko tied it with a big solo shot in the second, but the offense fizzled after the third, when Jim Thome singled home A.J. Pierzynski and was thrown out at second by Nick Markakis.
Pierzynski's baserunning was the brightest spot on the evening. He was on first when Jermaine Dye hit a shot down the line. Melvin Mora made a diving stab, got up and threw to first, where his only play was. Pierzynski realized this and never stopped running, rounding second and making it to third with a slide. If he doesn't make that move, he might not have scored on Thome's single -- although that run didn't end up mattering.
The Sox only mustered five hits all night off Radhames Liz, whom the Sox worked for five walks in 5 1/3 innings but couldn't find many other ways to strike. Jermaine Dye's solo homer in the eighth was the only other run of the game, while Lance Broadway came in and took a beating for the rest of the game.
Record: 76-57 |
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